System and method for social immersive content rendering

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations including receiving immersive media content; creating foreground information for rendering foreground video content of the immersive media content; receiving a first point-of-view (PoV) of a first viewer operating a first display device; generating a background video content from the immersive media content; sending the foreground information to the first display device; and sending a first portion of the background video content to the first display device, wherein the first portion is based on the first PoV. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application Serial No.17/141,407 filed on Jan. 5, 2021. All sections of the aforementionedapplication are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a system and method for socialimmersive content rendering.

BACKGROUND

Spherical videos, also known as 360-degree videos, provide viewers witha panoramic view that allows the viewer to freely control their viewingdirections during video playback. Spherical videos are recorded byomnidirectional cameras or camera array systems (e.g., FACEBOOK®Surround 360) facing outward from a particular point of view (PoV).These multiple cameras simultaneously record all 360 degrees of a scenethat can be “wrapped” onto a 3D sphere via video stitching. Sphericalvideos can be either monoscopic (direct one image for both eyes) orstereoscopic (direct each eye with different images for a 3D effect).Unlike 360-degree videos, which do not have depth information,volumetric videos capture the full 3D space, and allow a viewer not onlyto control her viewing direction, but also can relocate their PoV, whichis commonly known as having six degrees of freedom (6DoF). Volumetricvideos can be created by 3D modeling or various volumetric capturingtechniques, e.g., using multiple red-green-blue-depth (RGB-D) cameras(e.g., offered by Microsoft Kinect, Intel RealSense) and various LIDARscanners, which convert real world into 3D data. This 3D data then canbe used to reproduce high-quality images about the real world and allowsviewer to explore spatialized content from any viewpoint. Collectively,spherical video content and volumetric video content are also known asimmersive media content. Social entertainment of such immersive mediacontent brings more engagement and enjoyment, but with more challengesbecause there are multiple users interacting with the content, theenvironment and each other. Especially for off-site or asynchronouscompanions, digital avatars need to be driven by user activities, e.g.,gesture, voice, and gaze, and synchronized within the same media, sothat individual users can share their experience in an immersivefashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A depicts an illustrative embodiment of an immersive media viewingdevice;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein;

FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a social immersive content rendering system functioningwithin the communication network of FIG. 1 in accordance with variousaspects described herein;

FIG. 2D depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for a system and method that for experiencing immersivemedia content by an audience together in one or more locations. Otherembodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a processingsystem including a processor and a memory that stores executableinstructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitateperformance of operations including receiving immersive media content;creating foreground information for rendering foreground video contentof the immersive media content; receiving a first point-of-view (PoV) ofa first viewer operating a first display device; generating a backgroundvideo content from the immersive media content; sending the foregroundinformation to the first display device; and sending a first portion ofthe background video content to the first display device, wherein thefirst portion is based on the first PoV.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations including tracking a location and orientation of a firstviewer of immersive media content in a room, thereby creating firstavatar information; separating first audio information provided by thefirst viewer from audio signals of the immersive media content suppliedto the room; and providing the first avatar information and the firstaudio information to a remote location, wherein equipment of the remotelocation can facilitate creation and presentation of an avatar for thefirst viewer based on the first avatar information merged with thepresentation of the immersive media content.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method ofreceiving, by a processing system including a processor, immersive mediacontent; receiving, by the processing system, a first point-of-view(PoV) of a first viewer of the immersive media content; receiving, bythe processing system, a second PoV of a second viewer of the immersivemedia content; determining, by the processing system, a collective PoVfrom the first PoV and the second PoV; generating, by the processingsystem, a background video content stream from the immersive mediacontent based on the collective PoV; and incorporating, by theprocessing system, the background video content stream in one or moredisplays.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 100 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. For example, system 100 can facilitatein whole or in part delivery of immersive media content, creating andrendering foreground video content from the immersive media content,determining a collective point-of-view (PoV) of an audience of viewers,generating background video content from the immersive media contentbased on distance to viewers in the audience, and displaying thebackground video content on ubiquitous displays. In particular, acommunications network 125 is presented for providing broadband access110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 via access terminal 112,wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126via base station or access point 122, voice access 130 to a plurality oftelephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/or media access 140to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 via media terminal142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled to one or morecontent sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/or other media.While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130 andmedia access 140 are shown separately, one or more of these forms ofaccess can be combined to provide multiple access services to a singleclient device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receive media content viamedia terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be provided voice access viaswitching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A depicts an illustrative embodiment of an immersive media viewingdevice 201. As shown in FIG. 2A, a local viewer 205 wearing a virtualreality (VR) or augmented reality (AR, collectively XR) head-mounteddisplay (HMD) 202 can adjust her orientation by changing the pitch, yaw,and/or roll of the HMD 202, which correspond to rotating along one ormore of the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. She can also adjust herposition by moving along one or more of the X, Y, and Z axes,respectively. Then a video player, e.g., within the HMD 202, computesand displays a viewing area, i.e., a display surface, based on theorientation and the field of view (FoV). The FoV can define an extent ofthe observable area, which is usually a fixed parameter of a VRhead-mounted display (e.g., 110° horizontally and 90° vertically).

The example HMD 202 can be equipped with a position and/or orientationsensor 204, such as position/orientation sensors available onsmartphones, gaming goggles and/or tablet devices. Alternatively, or inaddition, the HMD 202 includes one or more reference markers 206 a, 206b and 206 c (generally 206). The reference markers 206 a, 206 b, 206 care spaced apart in a predetermined configuration. An external sensor,such as a video camera 208, is positioned to observe the HMD 202 duringactive use. The video camera 208 detects positions of the referencemarkers. Further processing, e.g., by an orientation detector candetermine a position and/or orientation of the HMD 202 based on thedetected/observed positions of the reference markers 206. In anotherembodiment, HMD 202 may comprise a position tracking signal supplied tovideo camera 208.

As a vital component of the XR technology, immersive media contentprovides viewers 205, 207 with panoramic views allowing them to freelycontrol their viewing position and direction during video playback.Usually, HMD 202 displays only the visible portion of immersive mediacontent. Thus, fetching the entire raw video frame wastes bandwidth. Thetechniques disclosed herein address the problem of providing immersivemedia content delivery over wireless, e.g., cellular, networks, tomultiple viewers.

Conceptually, a novel cellular-friendly streaming scheme for immersivemedia content avoids downloading an entire video, instead only fetchingthose parts, e.g., spatial segments or portions, of the video that arevisible to the viewers 205, 207 in order to reduce bandwidth consumptionassociated with the video transfer. As display of any of the portion ofthe video requires that the portion be fetched or otherwise downloaded,the disclosed approach benefits from a prediction of a viewer’s headmovement (to determine which portion of the video view to fetch).Trace-driven analysis indicated that, at least in the short term (e.g.,< 0.1 s), a viewers’ head movement can be accurately predicted, e.g.,with an accuracy > 90%, by even using simple methods such as trajectoryextrapolation.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system 210 functioning within the communication networkof FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. Referringto FIG. 2B, in one or more embodiments, a system 210 can include a videocontent server 211 that provides immersive media content overcommunication network 215 to equipment of a local viewer 205 including amedia device 213 communicatively coupled to a head-mounted display 218.In some embodiments, the head-mounted display 218 can be a VRhead-mounted display, an augmented reality (AR) head-mounted display, anaccelerometer, or other sensors that indicate position and headorientation, as described above. In another embodiment the HMD manifestsin the form of glasses or goggles with a semitransparent screen thatallows a user to both see through the display screen as well as thesystem to create visuals on the screen such that that a foreground (thescreen) and background (the unaltered world, including other displays)are visible. In an embodiment, the immersive media content can bevolumetric video content that can be viewed or presented using thehead-mounted display 218. In another embodiment, video content server211 that provides immersive media content over communication network 125to equipment of a remote viewer 207, where the remote viewer equipment(not illustrated) is similar to that of the local viewer 205 describedabove and further described below. Such immersive media content deliverymay be synchronized with delivery to the local viewer 205. In furtherembodiments, the media device 213, such as a smartphone, can be coupledto the head-mounted display 218 to view the immersive media content. Inother embodiments, the video content server 211 can provide the videocontent over the communication network to the media device 213communicatively coupled to a display to present the video content. Inadditional embodiments, the video server can be a media content server,a social media server, a gaming server, web server, or any other serverthat provides video content. In further embodiments, the media devicecan be a mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet computer, laptopcomputer, etc.) or any other media device (e.g., television, desktopcomputer, set top box, media processor, etc.).

In one or more embodiments, immersive media content viewed on thedisplay of the head-mounted display 218 can be presented from aviewpoint 216 within the immersive media content. A viewer 205, 207wearing the head-mounted display 218 can view different perspectives ofthe immersive media content by moving the viewer’s head in a particulardirection. For example, if a viewer 205, 207 pitches her head upward,then the video content is adjusted to provide the perspective toward thetop of the video. The viewer 205, 207 can also rotate her head to theleft or right (yaw) or roll her head. But she can also move the locationup or down, right or left, forward or back, which enables watching ascene in the immersive media content from different virtual locations.

However, rendering high quality 2D images from immersive media contentin real-time according to viewer’s free viewpoint input is acomputationally intensive task. In some embodiments, the media device213 may lack the computational power, thus requiring remote powerfulmachines to compute the graphics. This brings another demand for highbandwidth and low latency communication networks 125, 215, in order tostream back the rendering results in time (considering a 30 frame persecond movie would require rendering and streaming total latency lowerthan 33 ms per video frame). In some embodiments, the communicationnetworks 125, 215 may be a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network withlimited available bandwidth and high latency. Furthermore, delivery ofimmersive media content to multiple viewers 205, 207 at the same time,whether they are in the same location, or in distinct locations, leadsto additional challenges. 3D viewing technology has not becomewidespread, perhaps due to its limited immersion (a single 2D screen)and static rendering nature.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a social immersive content rendering system 200functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. Referring to FIG. 2B, in one ormore embodiments, system 200 comprises sensors and processing equipmentto provide viewers in local and remote locations with the ability towatch immersive media content together. In an embodiment, system 200comprises audience displays utilizing theater surrounding screens,movable light emitting diode display walls, and/or AR or VR head-mounteddisplays to distribute immersive media content according to distance,allowing participation from traditional media theaters as well ashigh-end home systems. System 200 provides an immersive cinematicexperience for personalized viewpoints by allowing a spatial andinteractive experience inside of content (spatial placement versuscharacters and camera) for numerous angles of enjoyment. System 200creates unified connectivity for coordinated viewing - bridging with astandard protocol, to join theaters and home environments for newimmersive, synchronous experience.

System 200 comprises environment sensors 220, viewpoint processingsubsystem 230, objects and avatars generation subsystem 240, distributedrendering subsystem 250, and local stream assembly subsystem 260. In anembodiment, system 200 may provide standardization for traditionallyexpensive scenic automation in theme parks and large venues - usingubiquitous display technology and targeted stream delivery (e.g.,specific viewport, directed audio, and friends), which allows deeperimmersion across any immersive media content.

Environment sensors 220 comprise room mapping and lighting 221, spatialawareness sensors 222, viewer hand and body movement sensors 223, viewergaze, interest and emotion sensors 224, and viewer position sensors 225.The environment sensors 220 gather information about the room and theviewers and objects within the room. For example, room mapping andlighting 221 and spatial awareness sensors 222 determine objects in theroom, such as furniture, etc. In an embodiment, viewer hand and bodymovement sensors 223 and viewer position sensors 225 keep track of thelocation and orientation of viewers and objects within the room. In anembodiment, viewer gaze, interest and emotion sensors 224 observe eachviewer’s gaze, their interest in the immersive media content and eachother, and their emotions. Processing separates audio signals utterances(chatting) and volumetric appearance (e.g., an avatar) for each viewer.Each viewer’s activity is serialized as an individual time-aligned trackwith the immersive media content. Information generated by environmentsensors 220 is delivered to viewpoint processing subsystem 230 andobjects and avatars generation subsystem 240.

Viewpoint processing subsystem 230 comprises a future viewpointprediction module 231. In an embodiment, viewpoint processing subsystem230 computes the collective viewpoint intention of the audience, wheresaid collective viewpoint may deviate from the original/creator’s cameraviewpoint. Current and future gaze directions are predicted by futureviewpoint prediction module 231 using aggregates of all viewers andindividual’s recent trajectory. In an embodiment, future viewpointprediction module 231 predicts future viewpoints of each viewer usingtechniques such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,623,791, entitled“Field of View Prediction in Live Panoramic Video Streaming,” U.S. Pat.No. 10,735,882, entitled “Method of Audio-Assisted Field of ViewPrediction for Spherical Video Streaming,” and U.S. Pat. No. 10,827,225,entitled “Navigation for 360-Degree Video Streaming,” each of which isincorporated by reference herein. In an embodiment, viewpoint processingsubsystem 230 computes a combined immersive media content viewpoint fromcreator and audience in real-time. In an embodiment, the viewpointprocessing subsystem 230 sends the combined immersive media contentviewpoint to the distributed rendering subsystem 250 to render thepoint-of-view (PoV) for the immersive media content presented to viewerslacking a VR head-mounted display. By determining a collective PoV,system 200 optimizes distributed computational burden for rendering 3Dscenes - one shared 3D background provided to many viewers (in alocality) saves computations and bandwidth resources from individualstreaming and display, while providing the foreground of the 3D scenerendered in different viewpoints, as set forth in more detail below.

In another embodiment, the immersive media content may provide a guidedPoV 232 to the distributed rendering subsystem 250. In yet anotherembodiment, each local viewer 205 may be using an AR/VR head-mounteddisplay, in which case the combined immersive media content viewpointwould not need to be provided for rendering the immersive media contenton each of their individual AR/VR head-mounted displays. However, thecombined immersive media content viewpoint could be forced upon saidviewers in certain circumstances, e.g., where a narrative in theimmersive media content requires such a guided PoV 232.

Objects and avatars generation subsystem 240 identifies objects andavatars for display from individual serialized tracks 241 in theimmersive media content. Remote or virtual audience members and objectsare continuously loaded via remote stream designations. Objects andavatars generation subsystem 240 adjusts the spatial position of eachremote stream avatar to answer requests of several viewers andindividuals (i.e., virtual audience seating). Objects and avatarsgeneration subsystem 240 spatially places objects (i.e., localization242) from source and within a local viewing room (chairs, environmentconstraints, etc.) for immersive media content scene processing, i.e.,integrating 243 the presence of the objects and avatars for remoteviewers 207 into the immersive media content, and interactionstherewith. In an embodiment, objects and avatars generation subsystem240 spatially delegates some objects and avatars into the backgroundvideo content stream, to be rendered by ubiquitous wall displays.

Distributed rendering subsystem 250 loads volumetric scenes from theimmersive media content. Using distributed computing and within GPUmemory 3D-to-2D video transcoding, distributed rendering subsystem 250creates views in different viewpoints for multiple connected viewers inthe audience. Shared screens are determined by best “aggregate”background video content view, and individual head-mounted displays showonly foreground objects separated from the background, which allows 6DoFinspection. In an embodiment, AR head-mounted displays augment the viewof background video content displayed on all surfaces of a room. Inanother embodiment, data provided by the environment sensors 220 permitdistributed rendering subsystem 250 to compute spatial awareness(background separation) of the content objects and viewers in theaudience. In an embodiment, for non-volumetric content, distributedrendering subsystem 250 computes depth of objects in the content.Distributed rendering subsystem 250 assembles the various inputs ofscene, avatars, and objects, and delivers streams to user-proximaldevices and ubiquitous, local displays. In an embodiment, system 200 candistribute content directed to education and tourism -thereby improvingvirtual classroom interactions, both for bringing remote socializationtogether as well as determining better viewpoints for viewers who arefollowing one single volumetric capture of immersive media content butwant their own viewing angles.

As mentioned above, in an embodiment, distributed rendering subsystem250 separates foreground video content of the immersive media contentfrom background video content, based on a virtual distance from theviewers. Optionally, distributed rendering subsystem 250 calculates thedistance of objects in the immersive media content, if not provided bythe immersive media content. Next, foreground processing 251 ofdistributed rendering subsystem 250 dynamically renders foregroundobjects in real time for any given viewpoint, i.e., viewer, and providesa foreground video content stream to viewer devices, such as VRhead-mounted displays. Foreground video processing 251 may alsointegrate virtual objects from another location, like an avatar for aremote viewer 207.

Additionally, background processing 252 of distributed renderingsubsystem 250 determines an asynchronous, and perhaps static backgroundsfrom the background video content of the immersive media content,renders scenes in remarkably high quality and resolution, and provides ahigh-quality, high-resolution background video content stream to viewerdevices. In an embodiment, the distributed rendering system may separatethe immersive media content into more than two layers, i.e., foregroundand background.

In addition, audio processing 253 of distributed rendering subsystem 250may blend spatially directed audio from objects and avatars generationsubsystem 240 and from the immersive media content. In an embodiment,such blending may simulate the location of an avatar for a remote viewer207 within the room or locality that the local viewer 205 isexperiencing the immersive media content. In another embodiment, noisesfrom certain viewers may be attenuated or blocked. In yet anotherembodiment, personalized audio may be blended for one user and removedfrom other user’s experiences. For example, audio from a concurrent, butprivate, phone call, assistive or enablement audio in another languageor with more description, or audio intended for the world outside of therendered experience 200 can be blended in individual channels withoutdisrupting the combined experience of other local viewers 205 or theremote viewers 207.

Local stream assembly subsystem 260 assembles the foreground videocontent stream, the background video content stream, and the audiostream, synchronously, in real-time. In an embodiment, local streamassembly subsystem 260 comprises ubiquitous wall-to-ceiling displays torender the background video content stream. In an embodiment, ARhead-mounted displays can fully immerse viewers interacting with theforeground video content stream. In an embodiment, viewers using ARhead-mounted displays will have the ability to physically movearbitrarily within a scene, which can become a dynamic consumptionexperience. In another embodiment, viewers using VR head-mounteddisplays can virtually move within the scene. Viewers in the audiencecan explore the rich volume of immersive media content by moving amongits captured points while they jointly decide which regions to explorenext. If available, local stream assembly subsystem 260 delivers objectsand avatars that were not suitable for combined (ubiquitous) renderingto the viewer either through a VR head-mounted display or via room-basedbeam forming and displays. In an embodiment, local stream assemblysubsystem 260 delivers spatially directed audio within the capability ofthe audio system. Hence, local stream assembly subsystem 260 facilitatesan exchange of first audio from the first viewer and second audio fromthe second viewer. In an embodiment, local stream assembly subsystem 260merges remote audio of viewer activity, i.e., human utterances/noises(clapping, etc.) with audio signals from the immersive media content. Inan embodiment, local stream assembly subsystem 260 may facilitatevisually replace unrecognized persons. In another embodiment, localstream assembly subsystem 260 may use signal separation to removebackground noise or chatter. Where viewers are located remotely, localstream assembly subsystem 260 ensures that content is delivered toremote locations synchronously, so that rendering is performedsimultaneously at all locations.

FIG. 2D depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein. As shown in FIG. 2D, method 270begins at step 271, where the system receives immersive media content.At step 272, the system separates the immersive media content intoforeground information and background video content stream based on adistance to viewers in the audience.

In step 273, the system checks to determine whether the immersive mediacontent includes a narrative point-of-view (PoV). If so, the processskips step 274. If not, in step 274, the system determines a collectivePoV from individual PoVs of viewers in the audience. In an embodiment,the system selects a PoV of an individual viewer for the collective PoV.In another embodiment, the system merges the individual PoVs todetermine the collective PoV.

In step 275, the system presents the background video content stream onubiquitous displays. In an embodiment, the system merges the backgroundvideo content stream with a rendering of foreground information streamon one or more HMDs.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2X, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of system 100, thesubsystems and functions of system 200, and method 270 presented inFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. For example, virtualized communicationnetwork 300 can facilitate in whole or in part delivery of immersivemedia content, creating and rendering foreground video content from theimmersive media content, determining a collective point-of-view (PoV) ofan audience of viewers, generating background video content from theimmersive media content based on distance to viewers in the audience,and displaying the background video content on ubiquitous displays.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements - which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general-purpose processors or general-purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it iselastic: so, the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized and might require special DSP code andanalog front ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements do not typically need toforward substantial amounts of traffic, their workload can bedistributed across a number of servers - each of which adds a portion ofthe capability, and which creates an overall elastic function withhigher availability than its former monolithic version. These virtualnetwork elements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managedusing an orchestration approach similar to those used in cloud computeservices.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from thesethird-party locations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computing environment inaccordance with various aspects described herein. In order to provideadditional context for various embodiments of the embodiments describedherein, FIG. 4 and the following discussion are intended to provide abrief, general description of a suitable computing environment 400 inwhich the various embodiments of the subject disclosure can beimplemented. In particular, computing environment 400 can be used in theimplementation of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal112, base station or access point 122, switching device 132, mediaterminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. Each of these devices canbe implemented via computer-executable instructions that can run on oneor more computers, and/or in combination with other program modulesand/or as a combination of hardware and software. For example, computingenvironment 400 can facilitate in whole or in part delivery of immersivemedia content, creating and rendering foreground video content from theimmersive media content, determining a collective point-of-view (PoV) ofan audience of viewers, generating background video content from theimmersive media content based on distance to viewers in the audience,and displaying the background video content on ubiquitous displays.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM),flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4 , the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A viewer can enter commands and information into the computer 402through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438and a pointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (notshown) can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, ajoystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These andother input devices are often connected to the processing unit 404through an input device interface 442 that can be coupled to the systembus 408, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallelport, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus(USB) port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part delivery of immersive media content, creating andrendering foreground video content from the immersive media content,determining a collective point-of-view (PoV) of an audience of viewers,generating background video content from the immersive media contentbased on distance to viewers in the audience, and displaying thebackground video content on ubiquitous displays. In one or moreembodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generate and receivesignals transmitted and received by base stations or access points suchas base station or access point 122. Generally, mobile network platform510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers,or disparate platforms, which facilitate both packet-switched (PS)(e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode(ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as wellas control generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As anon-limiting example, mobile network platform 510 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 510comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which can interface CS traffic receivedfrom legacy networks like telephony network(s) 540 (e.g., publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN))or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 canauthorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arising from suchnetworks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, orroaming, data generated through SS7 network 560; for instance, mobilitydata stored in a visited location register (VLR), which can reside inmemory 530. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based trafficand signaling and PS gateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTSnetwork, CS gateway node(s) 512 can be realized at least in part ingateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated thatfunctionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PSgateway node(s) 518, and serving node(s) 516, is provided and dictatedby radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network platform 510 fortelecommunication over a radio access network 520 with other devices,such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format ...) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support ...) provided by mobilenetwork platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that are part of avoice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gateway node(s) 518for authorization/authentication and initiation of a data session, andto serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. In addition toapplication server, server(s) 514 can comprise utility server(s), autility server can comprise a provisioning server, an operations andmaintenance server, a security server that can implement at least inpart a certificate authority and firewalls as well as other securitymechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s) securecommunication served through mobile network platform 510 to ensurenetwork’s operation and data integrity in addition to authorization andauthentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512 and PS gatewaynode(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s) can provisionservices from external network(s) like networks operated by a disparateservice provider; for instance, WAN 550 or Global Positioning System(GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s) can also provisioncoverage through networks associated to mobile network platform 510(e.g., deployed and operated by the same service provider), such as thedistributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1 (s) that enhance wirelessservice coverage by providing more network coverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processors canexecute code instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It shouldbe appreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part delivery ofimmersive media content, creating and rendering foreground video contentfrom the immersive media content, determining a collective point-of-view(PoV) of an audience of viewers, generating background video contentfrom the immersive media content based on distance to viewers in theaudience, and displaying the background video content on ubiquitousdisplays.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, Wi-Fi, DECT,or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few(Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth®Special Interest Group and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellulartechnologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS,TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generationwireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver 602can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline accesstechnologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline accesstechnologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user’s finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high-volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, or otherwireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing areceived signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival(TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 canutilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays, application specificintegrated circuits, and/or a video processor with associated storagememory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologiesfor executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing datasupplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only and doesnot otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,“ “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for conducting various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x = (x₁, x₂, x₃, x₄ ...x_(n)), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)= confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naive Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or.” That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,“ “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a ”memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to,” “coupledto,” and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: receiving a first point-of-view(PoV) of a first viewer operating a first display device and a secondPoV of a second viewer operating a second display device; determining anaggregated PoV from a first predicted PoV of the first viewer and asecond predicted PoV of the second viewer; separating a background videocontent in immersive media content from a foreground video content ofthe immersive media content based on a virtual distance of theaggregated PoV from the foreground video content; creating a firstportion of the background video content based on the aggregated PoV;displaying the first portion of the background video content on surfacesof a room comprising the first viewer; augmenting a view of the firstviewer with foreground information for rendering the foreground videocontent by the first display device, wherein the first display device isan augmented reality head-mounted display; and sending the foregroundinformation and the first portion of the background video content to thesecond display device.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstdisplay device and the second display device render the foregroundinformation and the background video content in a synchronous manner. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the rendering of the foregroundinformation and the background video content is synchronous to an audiosignal.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first display device andthe second display device are head-mounted displays.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the first display device and the second display deviceare at distinct locations.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein theoperations further comprise facilitating an exchange of first audio fromthe first viewer and second audio from the second viewer.
 7. The systemof claim 6, wherein the processing system comprises a plurality ofprocessors operating in a distributed computing environment.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the background video content is computedbased on the virtual distance.
 9. A non-transitory, machine-readablemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: receiving a first point-of-view(PoV) of a first viewer operating a first display device and a secondPoV of a second viewer operating a second display device; determining anaggregated PoV from a first predicted PoV of the first viewer and asecond predicted PoV of the second viewer; separating a background videocontent in immersive media content from a foreground video content basedon a virtual distance of the aggregated PoV from the foreground videocontent; creating a first portion of the background video content andsending the first portion and the foreground video content to the firstdisplay device, wherein the first portion is based on the aggregatedPoV; and sending the foreground video content to the second displaydevice.
 10. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9,wherein the operations further comprise displaying the first portion ofthe background video content on a surface of a room comprising the firstviewer and augmenting a view of the first viewer with the foregroundvideo content by the first display device, wherein the first displaydevice is an augmented reality head-mounted display.
 11. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the firstdisplay device and the second display device render the foreground videocontent and the background video content in a synchronous manner. 12.The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 11, whereinrendering of the foreground video content and the background videocontent is synchronous to an audio signal.
 13. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the first display deviceand the second display device are head-mounted displays.
 14. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the firstdisplay device and the second display device are at distinct locations.15. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein theoperations further comprise facilitating an exchange of first audio fromthe first viewer and second audio from the second viewer.
 16. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein theprocessing system comprises a plurality of processors operating in adistributed computing environment.
 17. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the operations furthercomprise sending the first portion of the background video content tothe second display device.
 18. A method, comprising: receiving, by aprocessing system including a processor, a first point-of-view (PoV) ofa first viewer of immersive media content operating a first displaydevice and a second PoV of a second viewer operating a second displaydevice; determining, by the processing system, an aggregated PoV from afirst predicted PoV of the first viewer and a second predicted PoV ofthe second viewer; separating, by the processing system, a backgroundvideo content in the immersive media content from foreground videocontent based on a virtual distance of the aggregated PoV from theforeground video content; creating a first portion of the backgroundvideo content and sending the first portion to the first display device,wherein the first portion is based on the aggregated PoV; and sendingthe foreground video content and the first portion of the backgroundvideo content to the second display device.
 19. The method of claim 18,further comprising: displaying, by the processing system, the firstportion of the background video content on a surface of a roomcomprising the first viewer and augmenting a view of the first viewerwith foreground information for rendering the foreground video contentby the first display device, wherein the first display device is anaugmented reality head-mounted display.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein the first display device and the second display device are atdistinct locations.